Updated 03 September 2015

Valve replacement

We give you some information on valve replacement what it means for people with cardiac difficulties.

Valve replacement refers to the surgical replacement of one or more of the four valves in the heart that control the direction and flow of blood. It is performed as an open-heart surgery with the patient being kept under general anaesthesia. The blood from the heart is re-routed via a heart-lung bypass machine while the heart is operated on.

Symptoms

People with cardiac problems that would require valve replacement may suffer from chest pain, a sensation of feeling the heart beat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing after engaging in physical activities, coughing and fatigue. A patient may gradually develop these symptoms or experience them simultaneously.

Surgery

Valve replacement is performed to rectify the following conditions:

- Stenosis (narrowing of the heart)

- Regurgitation (leaking of the heart valve)

Patients may be treated by valve replacement using one of two types of valves: a metal or mechanical valve, and a tissue or biological valve. The mechanical valves last a lifetime and are usually made from metal and pyrolytic carbon. To prevent blood clotting, patients are required to take blood-thinning medications.

Tissue valves only last for about 10 or 15 years, but they do not require the patient to take blood-thinning medication. The choice of valve is determined by a patient and their doctor while taking the following aspects into consideration: age, lifestyle, medication preferences and medical condition.

Risk factors

A number of risks exist around valve replacement. When under anaesthesia, patients may have negative reactions to medications or have problems breathing.

Infections can also result in valve replacement becoming necessary. Conditions like rheumatic fever, birth defects or calcification can cause valve problems. If defective valves are not treated, conditions like congestive heart failure (for mechanical reasons) or additional infections may arise. Diseased or abnormal valves are a preferred site for bacteria in the blood to settle and breed. The result is a growth on the valve, or bacteria and inflammatory tissue.

This condition is called Infective Endocarditis, and may be life-threatening. Not only is valve function disrupted by the growth on the valve, but the patient can become critically ill. Bits of the septic growth can break off and be carried in the blood to other parts of the body, where they cause septic emboli. Brain abscesses can result from this condition.

Surgery in the presence of Infective endocarditis is very risky, but may be the only option in some cases.

Prognosis

Valve replacement surgery has a high success rate. Depending on the heart valve, the death rate averages 2% and 5%. On average 2 out of 3 patients who received an artificial mitral valve are still alive 9 years after their surgery.

Recovery

Patients usually stay in the intensive care unit for 2 to 3 days after the operation where their heart functions will be constantly monitored. The average amount of time spent in hospital is 1-2 weeks. Depending on a patient's health before the surgery, complete recovery can take anywhere between a few weeks and several months.

After valve replacement, all patients must follow a specific antibiotic regime: any surgical procedure, no matter how minor, including ALL dental work (even cleaning by the hygienist) must be covered by antibiotics, taken an hour before the time. There is a specific protocol, which patients can obtain from their cardiologists.

For those with mechanical valves, Warfarin is used for life. This means regular monthly (at least) blood tests to measure the INR. The INR indicates the amount of anti-coagulation achieved in a patient, and will determine any adjustment needed in the dosage.

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The information on Health24 is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional. See additional information.